Shows & Happenings

Calum Scott’s defining moment for most of us who know his music was his groundbreaking and tearjerking audition on Britain’s Got Talent with a stripped down, heartfelt rendition of Robyn’s "Dancing On My Own." That's a given. Of course, he eventually took the title and has since come up with his own music in his distinct soulful vocal styling—you know that kind that pierces the soul. More than his recording success (read: Double Platinum!), he has also shown that he can truly own the stage just alone with the mic. (Fine, and maybe in a half open shirt with his abs and pecs peeking as eye candy for the audience.) His return to Manila via concert last October 30 provided proof to that.

Calum's first visit and eventual performance in the country was at a private event for a hotel opening. This time around, he had the New Frontier Theater all to himself, serenading the audience with tracks from his album Only Human. The album included some covers like Bob Dylan’s "Not Dark Yet" and his most streamed original track on Spotify, "You Are The Reason"—which his Pinoy fans enthusiastically sang along to. Proving that he is the big pop star that he is, he also got his fans stomping to some of his upbeat tunes, "Give Me Something," "Rhythm Inside," and his more personal track, "If Our Love Is Wrong," where he segued to inspiring people about his life story and his sexuality. He then performed his latest single"‘No Matter What," which spoke about his experience of coming out to his family and it definitely amped up the audience’s emotions with lyrics that went, "I love you no matter what.."

To cap off the show was, of course, Calum's signature rendition of "Dancing On my Own," which I believe is one of the most covered tracks at the moment. Yet, his version is hands down my favorite out of all those that I’ve heard. His sentimental tone makes one wonder if these British artists like Adele and Sam Smith, are just suckers for pain.